What's Happening This Week in
Downtown Jamaica
Valued Clean Team Member Froylan Tehuitzil 

It is with great sadness that we are letting our Jamaica Center BID community know that one of our valued Clean Team members, Froylan Tehuitzil, recently passed away after a brief illness. Froylan worked in downtown Jamaica for many years and the mark he left on our community was profound. He was always present with a smile and a helpful attitude while providing one of the most valued services we offer, keeping the Avenue clean of litter, graffiti and illegal dumping. Many merchants knew him by name and frequently complimented his hard work, so much so that we recently recognized his contributions at our November Annual Meeting.

If you would like to honor Froylan, please consider contributing to the GoFundMe account set up in his memory by his family. We would also ask that you continue to pick up litter after yourselves and thank our other Clean Team members for their service when you see them on the street. We will miss Froylan deeply, but are grateful for the time he served as our colleague and friend. If you would like to contribute to Froylan’s GoFundme page please do so here.  
City to Begin Construction of Permanent Plaza on Parsons

You may have noticed that the planters and granite seating have disappeared from Parsons Public Space. That’s because the temporary pilot public space is now going to be converted to a permanent public plaza. Once complete, the new plaza (designed by NYC’s Department of Public Transportation) will be level with the adjacent sidewalk (preventing automobiles from illegally driving or parking on it), and offer trees, public seating and event space for the community. This has been a project long in the works, and we look forward to its completion in Summer of 2023. In the meantime, the City’s Department of Design and Construction will be installing new pavement, ramps, curbs and sidewalks and completing traffic light and signal work as part of this major capital improvement. Work will occur overnight on weekdays, but portions of the space may be fenced off depending on work. 

Since DDC’s announcement of the workplan, our BID has been working closely with adjacent property owners, DDC, DOT, the Community Board and area businesses via monthly meetings to ensure that businesses are not adversely affected and that customers can continue to access the restaurants and stores adjacent to this space. 
JCAL Talks: Community-Based Discussion with Local Thought Leaders

Last night our Executive Director, Jennifer Furioli, appeared as a guest alongside Derek Irby from the 165th Street BID, on Jamaica Center Arts and Learning’s JCAL Talks series. JCAL Talks is a conversation between Executive Director Leonard Jacobs and Southeast Queens personalities, and in this episode, Jenn and Derek discussed what business improvement districts “BIDs” are and the challenges we face in supporting our local businesses, shoppers and shopping streets in downtown Jamaica. Those wishing to catch a recap can access the hour-long discussion here.

Business News Section
Grant Season is Upon Us!

With the calendar flipping to January 2022, there are serval grant opportunities that have become available for businesses:

  • Small Business Resilience Grant NYC Department of Small Business Services: This grant program will provide $10,000 grants to eligible small businesses in low-to-moderate income (LMI) areas as defined here, the arts, entertainment, and recreation sectors; and/or the accommodation and food services sector. Learn more here. 

  • Neighborhood Business Grant: Citizens Committee for New York City has once again opened its application for Neighborhood Business Grants. Awardees can receive up to $10,000, which is aimed to fill gaps in funding. This is done by prioritizing businesses owned by people of color, immigrants, and women. Sign up for an information session here. Fill out a Neighborhood Business Grant Application here.

  • Santander Bank’s Cultivate Small Business: Designed to help early-stage entrepreneurs in low-income neighborhoods build and sustain their businesses, with a focus on women, minority and immigrant-owned businesses in food-related industries. The program provides industry-specific education, networks and mentoring as well as small capital grants to business owners. Learn more here.

  • Customized Training Program: competitive, reimbursable grant that allows New York City businesses to train their staff. Sign up for an information session here. Fill out a Customized Training Program Grant Application here. 
Important Update for Restaurants Regarding NYC’s Third-Party Food Delivery Service

Starting January 24, 2022, each Delivery App will require a license to operate in NYC. Restaurants will now have greater protections when they interact with Delivery Apps. But restaurants also have a few new requirements they need to follow.  

As a NYC restaurant, the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) wants you to know how these new laws might affect you. Please read the enclosed overview. For copies of the Laws and Rules, please visit nyc.gov/DeliveryApps.  
Upcoming Business Courses

BE NYC:
  • BE NYC Mentors: Masterclass, Corporate Marketing Strategies for Small Biz on January 25. Register here.

US Small Business Administration:
  • Business Valuation: What is a Business Worth? on February 14. Register here. 
New York City Mask Mandate 

New York City's mask mandate is still in effect. Everyone, regardless of vaccination status, is encouraged to wear a mask in indoor public settings.

All private-sector employees are also required to get at least one dose of the vaccine and children between the ages of 5-11 are required to show proof of vaccination to participate in indoor activities. 

Anyone over the age of 12 must show proof that they have received at least two doses of the vaccine to enter restaurants, gyms or entertainment venues. 

Visit the link below to view the Key To New York City website to stay on top of all COVID-19 regulations.
Vaccination Requirement: Workplaces

Workers in New York City who perform in-person work or interact with the public in the course of business must show proof that they have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, either Pfizer or Moderna.

Business owners can learn how to comply with these requirements, as well as how to keep track of employees vaccination status, through a website the city has created and will be updated with new information as it becomes available, which you can find by clicking the link below. 
General Community News
NYC Covid-19 Vaccine Finder 

Many New Yorkers have received a COVID-19 vaccine and there are still places available to get vaccinated or receive a booster shot. 

To find the closest site near you, visit the vaccine finder link here.
About Business and Event Promotions in this Newsletter: Businesses and organizations located in the Jamaica Avenue Commercial District between Sutphin Blvd and 169th Street are invited to submit promotional information for possible inclusion in our newsletter. Events happening near or immediately adjacent to the Jamaica Avenue Commercial District may also be considered for inclusion on a case-by-case basis. We reserve the right to reject or edit materials for length, style, timeliness, and appropriateness. This newsletter serves to inform our community about events, opportunities and commercial activity in Downtown Jamaica, within specifically the Jamaica Center BID boundaries.